Kathryn “Kaye” Lulenski
May 16th, 1942 - February 6th, 2022
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Kaye's Obituary
Kathryn Elizabeth “Kaye” Rieck Smith Lulenski, 79, of St. Joseph, left this mortal coil on Sunday, February 6, 2022 with family at her residence on the shore. Arrangements have been entrusted to Starks & Menchinger Chapel. A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at some point to be announced in the future. Those wishing to share their compassion online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.
Above all else she will be remembered as a well-respected, classy, and intelligent person who loved to cook, entertain and share her zest for life with others.
Kaye was born May 16, 1942, to John and Margaret Rieck in Detroit MI. When Kaye was only 15, her father passed away. Her mother would later marry George Wolf, whom was to be highly influential as a result of the many fine intellectual conversations they shared. Kaye attended Lutheran High East where she graduated as the class valedictorian. She furthered her education by attending Western Michigan University where Kaye met and married Jim Smith. Whereupon they moved to Southwest Michigan to begin a family. She adored being close to Lake Michigan and watching the extraordinary sunsets.
She greatly enjoyed raising her four children, Bradley, Bryan, Kristen and Jason. Kaye was a lifetime member of Woman’s Service League. During this time, she also enjoyed playing tennis and all activities that involved being outside in the heath giving sunshine. Kaye began working for the Register of Deed’s office but later changed her career to become a Real Estate Agent. In 1983, she met Dr. Gary Lulenski, the two would later marry and Kaye would be blessed with three stepsons, Jeff, Mike, and David. Kaye and Gary were especially fond of traveling the world with their family and friends as well as any Broadway Shows they could possibly attend. She was a proud member of First Congregational Church and enjoyed attending Alanon for many years, where she learned and loved the values taught there while walking alongside new members with love and warmth. She mentored many people through their journey and hoped to heal others with her sage advice. Anyone who knew Kaye, knew her love of Hugh Jackman. She admired his immense talent, good looks, and values. Her eyes lit up whenever you mentioned his name. She saw every show he was involved in and met him several times saying "Hey Hugh! It's Kaye from the Oprah Show!" Kaye also liked to do crossword puzzles, play bridge and pinochle.
Kaye is survived by her children, Bryan (Shannon) Smith, Kristin Smith, and Jason Smith; Her stepchildren, Mike Lulenski, and David Lulenski; brother, David Rieck; niece, Tiffany (Walter) Armer; grandchildren, Josh (Emily) Wallace, Samuel (Amanda) Wallace, Andrew Wallace; step-daughter-in-law, Heather Lulenski; and step-grandchildren, Sienna Lulenski, and Kelsey Lulenski. She was preceded in death by her father, John Rieck; mother, Margaret Rieck; stepfather, George Wolf; brother, Kerry Rieck; son, Bradley Smith; and stepson, Jeffrey Lulenski.
Above all else she will be remembered as a well-respected, classy, and intelligent person who loved to cook, entertain and share her zest for life with others.
Kaye was born May 16, 1942, to John and Margaret Rieck in Detroit MI. When Kaye was only 15, her father passed away. Her mother would later marry George Wolf, whom was to be highly influential as a result of the many fine intellectual conversations they shared. Kaye attended Lutheran High East where she graduated as the class valedictorian. She furthered her education by attending Western Michigan University where Kaye met and married Jim Smith. Whereupon they moved to Southwest Michigan to begin a family. She adored being close to Lake Michigan and watching the extraordinary sunsets.
She greatly enjoyed raising her four children, Bradley, Bryan, Kristen and Jason. Kaye was a lifetime member of Woman’s Service League. During this time, she also enjoyed playing tennis and all activities that involved being outside in the heath giving sunshine. Kaye began working for the Register of Deed’s office but later changed her career to become a Real Estate Agent. In 1983, she met Dr. Gary Lulenski, the two would later marry and Kaye would be blessed with three stepsons, Jeff, Mike, and David. Kaye and Gary were especially fond of traveling the world with their family and friends as well as any Broadway Shows they could possibly attend. She was a proud member of First Congregational Church and enjoyed attending Alanon for many years, where she learned and loved the values taught there while walking alongside new members with love and warmth. She mentored many people through their journey and hoped to heal others with her sage advice. Anyone who knew Kaye, knew her love of Hugh Jackman. She admired his immense talent, good looks, and values. Her eyes lit up whenever you mentioned his name. She saw every show he was involved in and met him several times saying "Hey Hugh! It's Kaye from the Oprah Show!" Kaye also liked to do crossword puzzles, play bridge and pinochle.
Kaye is survived by her children, Bryan (Shannon) Smith, Kristin Smith, and Jason Smith; Her stepchildren, Mike Lulenski, and David Lulenski; brother, David Rieck; niece, Tiffany (Walter) Armer; grandchildren, Josh (Emily) Wallace, Samuel (Amanda) Wallace, Andrew Wallace; step-daughter-in-law, Heather Lulenski; and step-grandchildren, Sienna Lulenski, and Kelsey Lulenski. She was preceded in death by her father, John Rieck; mother, Margaret Rieck; stepfather, George Wolf; brother, Kerry Rieck; son, Bradley Smith; and stepson, Jeffrey Lulenski.
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